We were ambushed after DRC troops surrendered: SANDF soldiers fight like heroes, kill over 600 M23 rebels in deadly 24-hour battle

In a display of extraordinary bravery and resilience, South African soldiers killed at least 600 M23 rebels during a gruelling 24-hour gunfight in Sake, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), last week.

The fierce battle, which saw nine South African soldiers lose their lives, has been described as one of the most intense confrontations in recent memory, with South African troops hailed as heroes for their valiant efforts.

The details of the battle were revealed to Sunday World by an award-winning journalist who witnessed the deadly exchange of fire while researching his book in Sake. His account was corroborated by several government officials in both Congo and South Africa.

“It was a fearsome, bloody battle, which lasted for about 24 hours,” the journalist, who asked not to be named due to his prominence in the region, told Sunday World. He described how South African soldiers were left exposed and ambushed after members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), who were leading the front line, surrendered to the M23 rebels.

A Battle Against the Odds

The journalist revealed that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops were left vulnerable when their allies, including some members of the Burundi army, either fled or surrendered to the rebels.

“The troops of the DRC surrendered. They were supposed to cover another flank; they disappeared, and all of a sudden, SA troops ended up being attacked by mortars and so on,” said Deputy Defence Minister General Bantu Holomisa, confirming the journalist’s account.

Despite being outnumbered and outmanoeuvred, the South African soldiers fought with remarkable courage. “Your soldiers fought like heroes and killed more than 100 of the M23 rebels. I was there and saw it with my own eyes,” said a senior editor who also writes for an international publication.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the SANDF may have killed as many as 600 rebels, with some estimates putting the figure at 960 or even close to 1,000. “It’s clear that our troops were let down by other troops, our neighbours,” Holomisa added.

A Heavy Toll

The battle took a heavy toll on the SANDF, with nine South African soldiers losing their lives. Additionally, one Tanzanian and two Malawian soldiers, who were part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping force, were also killed. The death toll rose further when another South African soldier succumbed to gunshot wounds in hospital, bringing the total number of South African fatalities to 14.

The SANDF released a statement confirming the deaths and explaining that three soldiers were killed on Monday when a mortar bomb was launched by the M23 rebels at their base. The statement also highlighted the bravery of the troops, who observed international war conventions by raising white flags to allow the M23 rebels to collect their dead.

“The flags were raised to allow the M23 rebels to collect the bodies of their dead soldiers; they were lying everywhere, and the heroic South African soldiers deserve to be praised as they also observed the international war conventions, which stipulate that whenever a white flag is raised, the shooting must stop,” the senior editor said.

Holomisa confirmed this account, adding that the gesture also allowed SANDF troops to evacuate their injured colleagues for medical attention.

A Strategic Setback for M23

Sources in Congo revealed that after collecting their dead, the M23 rebels cremated the bodies to conceal evidence of their heavy losses. This move underscores the significant blow dealt to the rebel group by the SANDF, despite the challenges faced during the battle.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, the commander-in-chief of the South African army, paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, describing them as “brave soldiers who were dedicated to their mission and committed to peace.” In a statement on Wednesday, Ramaphosa urged all South Africans to “rally behind our brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to bringing peace to our continent.”

A Test of Resilience

The battle in Sake, located just 23 kilometres from the turbulent city of Goma, highlights the complexities and dangers of peacekeeping missions in conflict zones. The SANDF’s ability to repel the M23 rebels despite being abandoned by their allies is a testament to their training, discipline, and courage.

However, the incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of multinational peacekeeping efforts, particularly when allied forces fail to hold their ground. The surrender of FARDC troops and the retreat of Burundian soldiers left the SANDF exposed, forcing them to fight against overwhelming odds.

A Call for Unity and Support

As South Africa mourns the loss of its soldiers, there is a growing call for unity and support for the SANDF. The bravery displayed by the troops in Sake has earned them widespread admiration, but it has also underscored the need for greater international cooperation and accountability in peacekeeping missions.

“Our troops fought well and repelled those troops in a big way,” Holomisa said, echoing the sentiments of many who have praised the SANDF’s efforts.

The battle in Sake will be remembered as a defining moment for the South African National Defence Force, showcasing their heroism and resilience in the face of adversity. While the loss of 14 soldiers is a tragic reminder of the cost of peacekeeping, their sacrifice has dealt a significant blow to the M23 rebels and brought South Africa’s commitment to continental peace into sharp focus.